Trump Walks Back Insult to British Troops in Afghanistan After Wave of Backlash
It is understood that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer raised the remarks directly with the U.S. president after joining veterans and politicians from across the political spectrum in condemning what were described as “shocking” false claims.
By Tara Cobham | Saturday, 24 January 2026
Donald Trump has walked back his offensive remarks about British troops who served in Afghanistan, following widespread anger over his false claims regarding NATO allies.
The U.S. president has now praised the “great and brave soldiers of the United Kingdom,” after previously claiming that NATO allies had stayed away from the front lines during the war in Afghanistan.
Political and Public Response
It is understood that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer directly challenged Trump’s comments during a conversation on Saturday. Starmer had joined Prince Harry, veterans, and politicians from all parties in condemning the remarks, describing them as “shocking” and calling for an apology.
Critics pointed to the number of non-American casualties in the Afghan coalition and also recalled Trump’s own draft deferments during the Vietnam War.
Controversial Statements
Earlier this week, Trump also suggested he was unsure whether NATO allies “would be there for us if we needed them,” and claimed that America “never needed” its NATO partners, despite being the only member state to invoke the alliance’s collective defense clause following the September 11 attacks.
Trump’s Retraction and Acknowledgment of Sacrifice
However, in a social media post on Saturday, Trump said:
“The great and brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America. In Afghanistan, 457 were killed, many were seriously wounded, and they were among the greatest warriors ever. It’s a bond too strong to break. The British Army, with its enormous heart and soul, is second to none (except the USA). We love you all, and always will!”
Downing Street said afterward: “The Prime Minister raised the issue of the brave British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home. He said their sacrifices must never be forgotten.”
Political Reactions
Kemi Badenoch (Leader of the Conservative Party): Welcomed Trump’s new remarks but said the role of allies in Afghanistan “should never have been in question.”
Prince Harry: Criticized Trump’s statements on Friday, saying the sacrifices of British troops who fought and died there “deserve to be spoken about with honesty and respect.”
Sir Tony Blair: A spokesperson said Blair remembers with deep gratitude the “immense contribution and sacrifices” made by British forces on the front lines in the fight against terrorism.
Key Figures Cited:
British fatalities: 457
Total coalition deaths (non-U.S.): Over 1,100
U.S. fatalities: More than 2,300
(The UK ranks second after the United States in military deaths in Afghanistan.)
